Friday, October 11, 2013

The Pentagon selected the original team of Lockheed Martin, Rockwell Collins and Elbit Systems for the F-35 helmet, dropping development of an alternate design by BAE Systems. The helmet is key to the F-35's advanced technologies. It provides a 360-degree digital view, letting a pilot "look" through the cockpit floor and walls. In addition, data is projected directly onto the visor of the pilot, providing enhanced situational awareness. Following a series of technical failures on the original helmet, the Pentagon requested that BAE Systems develop a traditional, lower-tech helmet in case the primary system could never be perfected. (Source: Defense News, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, 10/10/13) Gulf Coast note: Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., is home of the F-35 training center.